Pride Of Arras, a colt owned and bred by Vimy and David Aykroyd, has emerged as a leading favourite for the 246th Epsom Derby on Saturday, representing a 'Seventies Revival' for small-scale owner-breeders in thoroughbred racing. After winning the Dante Stakes as an 18-1 outsider, he is now 5-1 for the Derby, which features the biggest field in 22 years (19 colts) and is expected to be open and uncertain, especially with potential rain.
Winner takes it all: Pride of Arras channels spirit of 70s for the Derby
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Pride Of Arras, a colt owned and bred by Vimy and David Aykroyd, has emerged as a leading favourite for the 246th Epsom Derby on Saturday, representing a 'Seventies Revival' for small-scale owner-breeders in thoroughbred racing. After winning the Dante Stakes as an 18-1 outsider, he is now 5-1 for the Derby, which features the biggest field in 22 years (19 colts) and is expected to be open and uncertain, especially with potential rain.
Trending- 1 1779: Lord Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury establish the Derby race; Diomed is the first winner.
- 2 End of 1970s: New money and sovereign wealth begin to dominate thoroughbred racing.
- 3 2010: Snow Fairy wins the Oaks.
- 4 2022: Pride Of Arras is born.
- 5 Mid-August (previous year): Pride Of Arras wins a minor race at Sandown as a two-year-old.
- 6 Last month (May 2025): Pride Of Arras wins the Dante Stakes at York.
- 7 Friday (June 6, 2025): Three horses are vying for favouritism for the Derby.
- 8 Saturday (June 7, 2025): The 246th Epsom Derby takes place.
- Potential for a 'Seventies Revival' in horse racing, highlighting success for small-scale owner-breeders.
- A highly competitive and uncertain Derby race due to a large field and potential weather changes.
What: Pride Of Arras, a horse bred by small-scale owners, has become a leading contender for the Epsom Derby, symbolizing a return to traditional owner-breeder success in horse racing.
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 (the day of the Derby).
Where: Epsom (Surrey downs, England), York (Dante Stakes), Sandown (minor race win), Yorkshire (Aykroyd's base). Other race locations mentioned: Newmarket, Ascot, Goodwood, Chester, Leopardstown.
Why: Pride Of Arras's impressive victory in the Dante Stakes at York, coupled with the Aykroyds' long-term breeding strategy, has elevated him to favouritism for the prestigious Derby.
How: Pride Of Arras, previously an outsider, demonstrated strong performance by winning the Dante Stakes. His owners, Vimy and David Aykroyd, have patiently developed their breeding operation over 15 years. The Derby itself is anticipated to be a challenging race due to the large field and potential for soft ground conditions.